Software Localization Services for Release-Ready Global Products

Software translation converts interface text from one language into another. Software localization has a broader scope and may also address text expansion, layout, fonts, encoding, dates, currencies, measurements, plural forms, writing direction, graphics, input behavior, sorting, technical file structure, and product testing. Translation is central to localization, but it is not the complete process.

Stepes localizes interfaces, menus, navigation, buttons, labels, forms, settings, dashboards, error messages, system notifications, prompts, onboarding flows, billing experiences, embedded help, accessibility labels, administrative interfaces, installation content, and release notes. Related documentation, mobile applications, websites, and customer-support content can be coordinated through the appropriate Stepes service.

Stepes supports common software localization formats such as JSON, XML, XLIFF, YAML, PO, POT, RESX, Java Properties, Apple Strings, Apple String Catalogs, Android XML, CSV, XLSX, and HTML. Custom or proprietary formats can be assessed during project scoping to determine the safest and most efficient processing workflow.

Yes. Stepes can analyze and process software resource files while protecting nontranslatable elements such as keys, variables, tags, placeholders, formatting codes, and markup. The expected output format, technical validation, and reintegration responsibilities are confirmed before localization begins.

Stepes combines file preparation, protected-content rules, automated QA, and human review to identify changes to code-related elements. Checks can flag deleted, added, reordered, or modified variables, tags, placeholders, numbers, and other technical components that could affect display or functionality.

In-context software localization gives linguists access to the environment or visual references where interface text appears. Context may include screenshots, prototypes, screen recordings, developer comments, string metadata, design files, test environments, or live product interfaces. This helps linguists understand meaning, user intent, text-length restrictions, and surrounding content before approving the translation.

Yes. Character limits can be included in the localization workflow when that information is available. Linguists adapt translations for the available space while preserving meaning and usability. Final text fit should also be validated within the localized build because font, layout, device, and language characteristics affect actual display.

Yes. Testing can include linguistic QA, cosmetic QA, locale validation, functional localization testing, and regression review. The exact scope depends on the product, available environment, devices or browsers, target languages, release risk, and client responsibilities.

Linguistic QA evaluates accuracy, grammar, fluency, terminology, tone, completeness, and contextual meaning. Cosmetic QA checks how translations appear, including truncation, line breaks, overlap, spacing, fonts, alignment, and writing direction. Functional QA verifies that localization does not interfere with navigation, forms, controls, search, transactions, input behavior, links, or other product functions.

Yes. Stepes supports right-to-left languages, including Arabic and Hebrew. A complete RTL workflow may include translation, bidirectional text review, mirrored layouts, interface alignment, punctuation, mixed-direction content, fonts, numbers, icons, navigation, input fields, and functional testing. The software itself must also be technically prepared for RTL behavior.

Yes. Stepes supports Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and other languages that may require expanded character support, appropriate fonts, input methods, line-breaking rules, and locale-specific interface review. Encoding and display should be validated in the final product environment.

Yes. Existing translation memories, glossaries, bilingual files, approved software strings, style guides, and legacy translations can be reviewed for reuse. Reuse is evaluated in context because an older translation may be correct but no longer appropriate for a redesigned feature, updated user journey, or new product voice.

Yes. Stepes can support recurring localization workflows for products that release frequently. New and modified strings can move through translation, review, quality assurance, and delivery while approved language assets are reused across versions. Product teams can also connect technical automation through the Stepes Software Localization API.

The schedule depends on word and string volume, target languages, file readiness, product complexity, available context, review requirements, testing scope, release date, and whether internationalization issues must first be resolved. Stepes reviews these factors during assessment and proposes a schedule aligned with the release plan.

Pricing depends on the language combination, word volume, translation-memory leverage, linguistic workflow, engineering requirements, file complexity, in-context review, testing scope, and turnaround time. Stepes provides a detailed quotation after reviewing the source files and project requirements.

The most useful starting materials include source resource files or representative samples, source and target languages, approximate word or string count, product type and platform, screenshots or product access, existing translation memories and glossaries, required review and testing scope, delivery expectations, release schedule, and any security or regulatory requirements.